American inauguration in Budapest

"Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage." - Obama

Last night I gathered with a group of friends at a Scottish pub to watch American usher in its new president. This was the first inaugural ceremony that I ever remember watching in its entirety, and I never remember being so eager to hear a political speech. What struck me most about Obama's address was his international scope and acknowledgment of diversity throughout the United States and the world. It was a great contrast to some of our past presidents who seemed to lead with the myopic view that Americans were the brightest, most important people on earth and everyone else was second class.

The friends I watched it with were nationally diverse: Australian, Canadian, Hungarian and American, so I feared that the whole event would turn into a political debate, so I almost didn't even attend. Normally, I like some political discussion, but this past year has absolutely worn me out in the political realm. With this speech, I just wanted to relax, listen intently to Obama's words and relish the historic occasion. Luckily, that's exactly what happened. My entire group of friend watched the speech reverentially, which I've never seen happen with an international crowd watching an American president. For any skeptics who think nothing will change under the new administration - it already has; I felt respect being given towards America's leadership for the first time since I first moved abroad.

On a less serious note, the bar did tune their TVs to the inauguration, but they didn't mute their music, so Obama's speech was mixed in with Aerosmith songs and some classic rock ditties. It gave the serious speech a pop-culture feel like it was remixed for a club.

"Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more."
- Barack Obama

Back in Budapest

Greetings from a long-lost blogger. I have returned to Budapest after a month and a half of travel to Austria, Colorado and Texas. So much happened on those trips, that I don't have the energy to describe all of it, but here are some highlights:

Vienna: Almost didn't catch our train because of the horribly inefficient station staff who still hand-write tickets; stayed in a beautiful hotel called Le Meridian which was full of modern art including a beautiful Christmas tree fashioned entirely out of red feathers; went to about three different Christmas markets, all consisting of stalls packed with festive gifts and stands selling mulled wine and weinerschnitzel (we indulged in the food a little too much :)); saw a mind-bending exhibit by contemporary artist Peter Kogler at the Museum of Modern Art - my personal favorite installation was a wall totally covered by images of giant black and white ants; saw more Christmas markets with dachshunds; almost missed our train back to Budapest because the horribly inefficient Hungarian train staff decided to go on strike. Thus, they only let one train leave from Vienna to Budapest that day, when there is usually one every hour, making it the most crowded train I've ever ridden. At least we made it back to Budapest, because I had to fly out the next morning.

Colorado: I made it back to chilly Colorado on Dec. 15; spent a great deal of time hanging out with friends, not working, shopping, channel surfing, drinking good microbrews, decorating for Christmas, watching movies, and thinking about doing wedding planning, but not actual doing it; celebrated a lovely, yet quiet Christmas with just my parents; went to Denver a couple times, once for a girly day of bridesmaid dress shopping; generally just enjoyed being back in my favorite part of the world and tried not to think much about leaving it.

Texas: My entire trip to Texas was fantastic and made me so excited for the actual wedding; the Kleins threw Michael and I an engagement party, so my parents, sister and brother-in-law, extended family - the Nebraska Beahm-team - and many Colorado friends descended upon the Lone Star state for the festivities and Southern hospitality (which even exceeded its pleasant reputation - thank you to our wonderful hosts); the actual party was extremely fun - it was set at a country-western venue, with delectable BBQ, a talented live band, and a bull, which most everyone, including our dads, rode; the next day we all headed to East Texas to Michael's grandparents' ranch, where we gawked at the world's fattest pot-bellied pig, took a hay ride, shot guns, watched football and ate delicious food; during the rest of my trip, I finally went inside the JKF museum and did lots of wedding-ish things, like registering for gifts and taking engagement photos when Michael was really sick - although he still looks great in them.

Now we're both back in Budapest. Michael arrived without issue, whereas I had a trip guided by Murphy's Law. However, I still got here, albeit a 24 hours later than expected. Now, I have all my luggage, even though it took a week to get to me.